Authorities investigate fatal hit-and-run in Morristown

Authorities are investigating a Morristown hit-and-run collision that they say claimed the life of a 27-year-old town man.

Victor Padilla Jr. died at Morristown Medical Center on July 7, 2018, of injuries sustained on the evening of June 27 “in the area of Martin Luther King Avenue,” according to a statement issued Thursday by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and Morristown police.

“Law enforcement were notified of an injured person believed to have been struck by a vehicle that then left the scene,” said the statement.

Shortly after the collision, authorities located a vehicle they believe was involved.

“The circumstances surrounding this incident are still under investigation. There are no charges at this time, but the investigation is active and ongoing,” authorities said.

The Prosecutor’s Major Crimes Unit and local police are being assisted by Morris Township police, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, and the Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit at 973-285-6200, the Morristown police at 973-538-2200, or Morris County CrimeStoppers at www.copcall.org, 973-COP-CALL, or Text 274637 using keyword “MORRISTIP.”

A Morris Township woman was struck in a crosswalk at Madison Avenue and Franklin Street last month. Earlier in June, a woman was hit in a crosswalk at South Street near the Rite Aid / Walgreen’s stores.

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